Do not delay taking action. If you wish to put to sea, do not miss the tide. Neither tide nor time will tarry for you. In a wider sense, if an opportunity presents itself, decide quickly and act promptly.
See also:
- Gather ye rosebuds while ye may
- He that will not when he may, when he will he shall have nay
- He who hesitates is lost
- Hoist your sail when the wind is fair
- Life is short and time is swift
- Make hay while the sun shines
- Opportunity seldom knocks twice
- Strike while the iron is hot
- There is a tide in the affairs of men ...